A CV is a short factual account-ideally no more than two sides of A4 – about you. Your work experience and qualifications.

Some job vacancy advertisements ask you to apply in writing. Here, It’s normal to send a copy of your CV with a covering letter.

There are several ways in which you can use your CV.

1. Speculative Applications – send your CV with a covering letter enquiring if companies have any present or future vacancies in your trade. Find company names and addresses in phone books. Newspapers and trade directories.

2. Memory Jogger – use your CV to help you when completing application forms. Enabling you to remember dates and information each time you complete a different form.

3. Telephone applications – having your CV handy when applying for jobs by telephone can help if you are asked to give more information about previous jobs.

4. Interviews – having your CV handy while waiting to be called in can help refresh you memory. It’s also useful to leave a copy with the interviewer.

5. Employment agencies – may sometimes require a copy of your CV before registering you.

What you should include in your CV:

1. Personal details – name, date of birth, address, whether you have a driving licence and personal profile/career history. A short statement at the beginning of your CV can be a positive way of selling yourself. Include upbeat words like competent. Adaptable and conscientious.

2. Achievements – mention things you have done well in your past job that could be relevant to the job for which you are applying.

3. Work history – put the most recent job first, with dates. If you have had many different jobs, emphasise the skills and experience you have gained by grouping them together.

4. Training/qualifications – include training and qualifications gained in previous jobs. Put the most recent first. Education details and qualification can be included from secondary school.

5. Interests/spare time activities – aim to show the employer that you have a well-rounded personality.

Please give your CV some thought and spend some time on getting it right – it may make all the difference in getting the job you really want.

Good Luck